A renowned trial lawyer and the sole shareholder of Turner & Associates, P.A., Tab Turner has built an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. With offices in Arkansas, Texas, San Diego, and New York, Tab has devoted his professional life to serving consumers and victims of human rights violations.
Graduating with high honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Tab has dedicated his expertise to representing consumers injured by defective automotive products, handling environmental and commercial litigation, and tackling anti-terrorism cases. His primary focus in automotive safety includes vehicle handling and stability, catastrophic tire failures, and advocating for families of children injured by defective safety systems.
Over the years, Tab has resolved billions of dollars in claims and suits, earning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts for his clients. Among his notable achievements is a $132,000,000 jury verdict against Ford Motor Company, relating to the death of young baseball player Brian Cole in an Explorer rollover. Additionally, Tab served as lead trial counsel in a groundbreaking civil antiterrorism case against Arab Bank. The 2015 trial in Brooklyn concluded with a jury finding the bank guilty of providing material support to Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for multiple attacks on U.S. citizens during the Second Intifada in the Middle East. The case settled during the damage phase for over a billion dollars.
Tab’s legal acumen extends beyond individual cases. He has served as co-counsel for Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, in high-profile defamation suits brought by Isuzu Motors and Suzuki Motors. These cases, centered on the rollover characteristics of the Suzuki Samurai and Isuzu Trooper, resulted in defense verdicts and dismissals, showcasing Tab’s exceptional litigation skills.
As a seasoned attorney, Tab’s commitment to justice and consumer protection has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape. His unwavering dedication to his clients and his relentless pursuit of truth and fairness make him a formidable advocate and a respected leader in the field of law.
Following His Father’s Legacy in Law
Tab’s motivation to pursue a career in law, particularly in his areas of expertise, stems from his father’s influence. His father was an attorney and judge, and Tab always found his father’s work for and within the community to be awe-inspiring. This deep-rooted admiration for his father’s dedication to justice and community service inspired Tab to follow a similar path.
In his legal career, Tab has specialized in handling high-stakes cases that often involve significant public interest and consumer protection. Most frequently, he deals with cases related to automotive safety, including product liability and litigation against major corporations for defective products. His notable work includes representing victims in the Ford/Firestone litigation and those affected by terrorist attacks in the landmark case Linde v. Arab Bank. Through his legal practice, Tab continues to uphold the values of justice and community service that his father exemplified, making a substantial impact in the field of consumer protection and beyond.
Outside of his legal career, Tab is a devoted family man with three wonderful daughters and grandchildren who keep him busy. Balancing his professional commitments with his personal life, he finds joy and fulfillment in spending time with his family, creating cherished memories and staying engaged in their lives.
Providing Compassionate Support in Difficult Times
Tab leads a small but specialized law firm that offers a family atmosphere, aiming to provide a hopeful, comfortable, and reassuring environment for clients. The most difficult challenge in his work has always been helping clients suffering from emotional trauma associated with tragic circumstances. Though this challenge is more practical than legal, it remains the most demanding aspect of working for families who are enduring profound suffering. Tab and his team strive to support these clients with empathy and dedication, making their well-being a top priority.
Authenticity and Integrity in Legal Advocacy
Tab emphasizes that when faced with multiple deadlines or high-pressure situations, managing workload priorities is crucial and requires a collective effort. He acknowledges that it takes a village to effectively handle these challenges, relying on teamwork and collaboration within his firm.
In advocating for his clients in court, Tab believes in authenticity and staying true to his beliefs. His strategy revolves around being himself, maintaining integrity, and upholding the firm’s core values. By embodying these principles, Tab ensures that he can passionately and effectively represent his clients’ interests in the legal arena.
Recognitions and Impactful Legal Work
Tab has been honored with multiple accolades for his impactful legal work. Named “Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice in 2001 for representing Donna Bailey in the Ford/Firestone litigation, Tab received the same title again in 2015 from Public Justice for his representation of over 500 victims of 24 separate terror attacks by Hamas in the landmark case Linde v. Arab Bank. Additionally, he was awarded the “Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year Award” by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association for 2001-2002 and received the prestigious Henry Woods Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arkansas Bar in 2015.
Tab’s work has been widely recognized by various esteemed organizations, including the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the National College of Advocacy, the Attorneys Information Exchange Group, and several state Trial Lawyers Associations. His expertise has been highlighted by major media outlets such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Dateline NBC, CNN, 60 Minutes II, Frontline, and Burden of Proof. In December 2000, The New York Times Magazine featured his work on sport utility vehicle rollover litigation.
Author Adam Penenberg’s book, “Tragic Indifference: One Man’s Battle with the Auto Industry over the Dangers of SUVs” (also published as “Blood Highways” in paperback), chronicles Tab’s significant role in the Ford/Firestone recall in 2001. The media has described him as a pioneer in SUV safety issues, and along with Joan Claybrook of Public Citizen, he has been credited with playing an instrumental role in Congress’ creation of the “TREAD Act,” one of the world’s strongest consumer protection laws against defective products.
Guiding Principles for Aspiring Legal Professionals
Tab highlights that his approach to building and maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring client satisfaction revolves around three core principles: time, honesty, and hard work. He believes in dedicating sufficient time to understand his clients’ needs, being transparent and truthful in all communications, and putting in diligent effort to achieve the best outcomes for them.
For aspiring legal professionals interested in entering the legal sector, Tab offers valuable advice: “Be yourself. Have compassion. And be honest to your clients and your profession.” He encourages aspiring lawyers to stay true to their values, show empathy towards clients, and uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their legal practice. By following these principles, Tab believes that legal professionals can build fulfilling careers and earn the trust and respect of their clients and peers alike.
